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What drives you crazy about your house?

2 years ago

Hi Houzz users! My spouse and I are gearing up to buy our first house this summer. We love retro/ vintage charm and will probably end up in a fixer with good bones.

I’d love to hear about what you’d avoid in terms of fixes, layouts, etc, and just generally get a feel for the things you may not have noticed when touring your home that caused trouble a few years down the line.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

Kirsten E.
2 years ago
I would avoid corner sinks, personally. Definitely more common in older homes. It makes doing dishes feel like a punishment.
Rachel Haigh
Original Author
2 years ago
I saw a listing today with a corner stove- like the stove was shoved against the far wall, and I thought “I can’t live like that!” So that note is helpful, Kirsten, thanks!
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jem -- I thought about some of the typical older home 'faults' you detail when we built new in 2001. We have a 10/12 roof to shed snow -- and to provide a 'second story' for some future owner who wants to add some dormers -- yet the gutters are only nine feet above the ground. (Building such an 'attic' would seem a waste, but our lot is zoned for a 6,000 sq ft home, while we wanted half of that and one story. The taller profile fits better in our neighborhood.) Our north-facing 42" entry door is wood, with sidelights and no storm door, yet it looks like new because it's protected by a roofed six foot deep stoop, with arched openings front and east. We are also a single step above ground level at every entry point. Single story is nice, but you have to get *into* the house easily too. Having endured aluminum-frame windows, I appreciate tight, efficient doors and windows. Casements lock at two points; French doors lock at three. I have to look out to know if a car is driving up to the house; can't hear it. A mistake I made was having a row of French doors on the south with inadequate overhang. I must close the doors if there's any wind with a rain. I bet you could replace your picture windows with same size more efficient ones without alterations. The new glass and frames are *tight*. You would have less re-structuring and painting to do, and wouldn't throw off the exterior symmetry.
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You know what drives me up the wall? Listening to people eat. Smacking food, slurping food, crunching chips. Especially when they put the potato chip in their mouth and then crunch down on the before closing their mouth. WHYYYY??? People do that with popcorn too. Put the chip/popcorn/noisy food in your mouth, close your mouth, then crunch. It muffles the noise and makes me not want to bop you on the head as much.... I've actually put my lunch away at work several times, when some people are in there eating their food and sounding like pigs. Also, there is this guy helping us out in the store. He's okay, but holy smokes does his breath smell! He was talking to me yesterday and I tried to back away so I could inhale but he moved closer and I thought I was going to die. I don't know the last time he brushed his teeth, he's a smoker and the breath..... OMG.... It's why I chew gum often: makes the smell of my coffee and food go away. Or maybe it adds to the smell. Nobody has ever said... lol Could be why people back off when I talk. Maybe I'm on to something here. ;)
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hemina
2 years ago
I forgot how annoying my corner sink was! So true! The dishwasher was off to the left but had to be spaced by drawers so it was far enough away to drip water on the floor, a hazard if you forgot it was open somewhat behind you, and no one could assist (or rinse hands etc) while you were washing dishes.
Look for how you’ll
Look for areas that will get congested. The kitchen had multiple walkways-all three around the fridge with minimal space. Parties were a nightmare!
Front closet...last house didn’t have one and we didn’t notice! Good luck!
Izzy Mn
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Not enough storage in kitchen. I want a pantry, even a smallish shallow one.

Not enough storage space, closet space.

I do have a small walk in closet at my entry way that is the envy of many. actually doubles as a pantry with the tall, narrow, shallow bookshelf I have in there.

I have a split level home, what a pain they are. Always having to walk through entry, especially in winter with melted snow/wet. Also entry "dirt" going up and down stairs.
GP (Z9a - Houston, TX)
2 years ago
Age of the Roof - insurance give good discount if it is newly replaced.

Use a home inspector to have a thermal scan to see any leaks and water damage earlier.

In the attic check the Roof for insulation and heat barrier.

In case of a carpet, pls get a new flooring done (the most dirtiest thing is carpet even it looks clean)

And then some measures that keep your house maintenence low:

Calcium deposit in shower, faucet and plummbing issue - So pls have a water purifier.

If you cook everyday - microwave vent is not enough add additional vent hood.

Protect your back door if you do not have a patio.

Remove a tree that shed lots of leaves (pine, vigorous growth tree)

Lawn mowing, pest control and carpet (best to have any kind of wood floor).

Congratulations!!!

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